How to know when it's time to pick blackthorn

Berries

Humanity, with its characteristic tendency to extract profit from everything, hasn't overlooked the blackthorn, or blackthorn. It's very common in Russia and also grows in many other countries. Any experienced gardener who grows this shrub behind a fence and takes advantage of its undeniable medicinal properties knows the signs of blackthorn ripeness and tips for harvesting the berries.

Useful properties of blackthorn

Blackthorn is a very ancient plant, mentioned even in biblical stories. Its undeniable benefits to humans are recognized in traditional medicine. Blackthorn is made up of not only the berries, but also the flowers, branches, leaves, roots, and bark. It possesses not only medicinal but also aesthetic qualities, as during flowering it resembles a beautiful fluffy cloud.

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Every year, all parts of the plant are harvested for sale in pharmacies, despite a significant obstacle: its severe thorns. The plant's fruits are amazingly helpful in treating many ailments. Their beneficial properties are numerous:

improve the metabolic process;
lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure;
help in the treatment of the intestines, liver, stomach and kidneys;
effective against giardiasis, flatulence and intestinal disorders;
reduce the pain of menstruation;
contain organic acids, iodine, calcium, phosphorus, iron, chromium, zinc, potassium, tannins, pectin, glucose, essential oil, vitamins A, E, PP, C, B₁, B₂;
have immunomodulatory, diaphoretic, astringent, diuretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effects;
help with food poisoning and toxic infections;
replenish vitamin deficiencies;
calm and relax the nervous system;
stimulate the appetite.

Important!

In rare cases of individual intolerance, blackthorn should not be consumed, as it can cause an allergic reaction. Consult a doctor before using the plant at home. People with weak stomachs should use blackthorn with caution due to its laxative effect. The seeds of the fruit are also poisonous, so they should be removed after making the decoction.

Signs of blackthorn maturity

There's a saying: "A blackthorn bush is never empty," and it's entirely true. The plant bears fruit every year, starting in its first two to three years. A single bush can yield a bountiful harvest—up to 15 kg of berries. They transport well and keep well. They resemble small plums (approximately 1-1.5 cm in diameter). Their color is blackish-blue, with a glaucous appearance due to a waxy coating. The flesh is green and juicy.

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The tart berries ripen as early as July and August, but harvesting begins much later—they contain a high amount of tannins, making them inedible. However, for medicinal purposes, they are harvested in September. For the best flavor, the fruits are picked after the first frost—in early to mid-October. Frost softens the berries, making them sweeter and more pleasantly tart. They remain on the bush all winter until spring.

In addition to medicinal uses, blackthorn berries are widely used in cooking. They are used to make jam, preserves, and pastila. They are also used to make wine, kvass, sauce, liqueur, cordial, seasoning, and marinade. They are also used to flavor kissels, vodka, and compotes, among other things. The berries are also brewed into tea. They are dried and stored in natural fabric bags or paper bags for up to a year. However, they are best frozen fresh—this preserves all the vitamins and nutrients. They can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.